Backcountry Safety

Exploring the backcountry terrain around Sun Peaks Resort comes with both risk and reward. We recommend guests remain in-bounds for their safety. The backcountry is not patrolled, and Sun Peaks Ski Patrol does NOT provide assistance outside ski area boundary. 

If you do decide to explore the backcountry it’s important that you are well prepared. Please review the information below regarding safety in the backcountry and after-hours hazards in the resort.

Be Prepared

  • Avalanche Training. Taking an avalanche safety course is an important first step if you plan to explore the backcountry. An Avalanche Skills Training 1 (AST 1) course is a great entry level course. More information can be found here.
  • Conditions. As part of your planning, check conditions and the avalanche forecast at www.avalanche.ca.
  • Equipment. Make sure you have the correct avalanche safety equipment. This includes a transceiver, shovel, probe, extra clothing, food and water, communication devices, and emergency supplies. 
  • Travel Partners. Don't enter the backcountry alone. Ensure all members of your group have the appropriate avalanche safety equipment and the training to use it.
  • Communicate. Let others know when and where you are going, as well as when you plan to return.

Looking to freshen up your avalanche companion rescue skills? Contact Ski Patrol (250.578.5521) or visit the Beacon Basin at the top of the Sunburst Chairlift.

Ski Area Boundary

  • The in-bounds avalanche risk at Sun Peaks Resort is evaluated and managed by the Sun Peaks Resort Avalanche Program (SPRAP). However, this all changes once you enter backcountry areas outside of the ski area boundary. The ski area boundary is identified by a single or double rope line and is clearly marked on the Sun Peaks Resort trail map. 
    Ski Area Boundary at Sun Peaks Resort
  • Guests going beyond the ski area boundary do so at their own risk. They assume all liability and responsibility for their own safety.
  • Uphill travel (hiking, snowshoeing, skinning) is not permitted within the ski area boundary.
  • Winch-assisted grooming cats work on-mountain overnight and pose a serious hazard to skiers and snowboarders. If you are returning from the backcountry via the in-bounds area of Sun Peaks Resort, you must do so by 3:45pm. You can contact a member of our grooming team at 250.319.5028 for more information on grooming cat locations. 
  • Active winch cats are identified with the following on-mountain signage:
    Sun Peaks Winch Cat Sign
    If you encounter a winch cat or this signage while on the slopes stop immediately, then contact Patrol Dispatch or the grooming team via the numbers listed above. If you are unable to reach anyone at these numbers, you should remain in place until you can make visual and verbal contact with the winch cat operator to establish a safe route around the equipment. Once communication has been established proceed away from the area with caution.

Motorized Vehicles

  • Snowmobiling inside the Sun Peaks Resort boundary or Controlled Recreation Area (CRA) is not permitted at any time. Truck parking and snowmobile access is available from parking lot 6. From there follow the designated route out of the ski resort area and CRA to access the backcountry. For more information please review our Independent Snowmobile/ORV Access page.

For more information on backcountry safety visit www.avalanche.ca.

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